§ 2. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of the widespread carelessness of those handling surplus Government equipment offered for purchase to the public; and what steps are being taken to prevent unnecessary damage in loading and unloading it as well as during its transit from depôts to the sites of sale.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (Mr. John Freeman)No, Sir. I have no evidence that such stores are being damaged by careless handling. Frequent inspections are made of goods awaiting auction, and special care is taken in handling any fragile stores.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeIf I bring to my hon. Friend's attention a specific example in my own constituency of the gross carelessness of the people handling Government stores, will he try to take some action about it?
§ Mr. FreemanOf course.
§ Sir Waldron SmithersMay I ask the hon. Gentleman not to worry about this, because the taxpayer foots the bill for all this glorious Socialistic muddle?